Wow, I mean that’s a mouthful right there! You probably have heard this term before. But if you haven’t, I would like to introduce you to this attitude which is to be a mandate in every Christian’s lifestyle.
I was inspired to write this post after reading a review on a youth site about a popular movie in which the author concluded by advising his readers not to watch the movie and to ‘be counter-cultural’. So what exactly does it mean to be ‘counter-cultural’ and what does it have to do with us being Christians?
Let’s first look at the meaning, which is pretty simple straight forward: to adopt a lifestyle that is the complete opposite of the mainstream culture that most people prefer to follow. And doing so has its challenges but it’s worth sticking to it if you want to stick to Christ.
Having a counter-cultural attitude for a Christian is no new thing. It comes naturally for some of us. However, much has been misconstrued regarding this mentality giving some of us Christians an aggressive reproach towards the fashions adopted by our unbelieving friends. Having practised this in the past, I would like to emphasize what is healthy and what is not.
It’s a bold step, no doubt. But it need not always be aggressive. We must protest vehemently what the world embraces that is against the teaching of the Spirit. But doing so in a non-judgemental way and avoiding grudge, we remain as children of Christ. Imagine if we claim ourselves to be Christians and yet speak harshly about the unbelievers what does that make us? A judgemental Christian!On the other hand, some of us try to be too lenient that it becomes hard to distinguish a Christian from non-Christian because the Christian is too busy indulging in the worldly conformations.
Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.
1 Peter 2:12
Remember, the unbelievers should see Christ in us. This is an area that is still under development and we must tread carefully so as not to fall.
So how do we practice counter-cultural yet stay blameless in the present day? When Jesus sent His disciple to proclaim the Gospel He told them to be wise as serpents and as innocent as doves (Matt 10:16).
Try to always deal your counter-cultural attitude in a pacifying yet stern manner.
Let me give you an example. Common topics amongst my friends are almost always about movies, actors and the like. Ever since I became a follower of Christ, I almost never resorted to watching movies because it simply did not excite me anymore. Another reason being, I was afraid that the profanity and explicit content would disturb my spiritual growth, so I decided to also slightly force myself away from movies. Having said that, when they start discussing movies I try not to offend them by ignoring the conversation or be critical even though I don’t feel like getting involved in such a conversation I try to be friendly by listening to them. But I keep my focus on God. But when the conversation turns to me I take a bold step by saying no I am not interested.
To such talks Apostle Paul says in 2 Timothy 2:16,17:
But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene.
Make sure you discourage such talks by saying no. That pretty much draws the line and gives the other folks a hint that you are not interested in such a talk. And if that is followed by mockery ridicule or protests don’t take that into consideration. It might be hurtful sometimes but let me tell you something: after a while, you learn to cope with it.
In a world where even the church has allowed to watered down by indulging in the ways of the world the need of the hour is this – a generation of people who have the love of God in their hearts yet are not swayed by money, power, fame and success. This lifestyle hits the nail on the head and helps us practice our faith in Christ.
So go on, be a tiger….be counter-cultural in your attitude.
